Continuous Provision in Key Stage 1

In September 2018, Chestnut Class began a new approach to learning in Year 1. Instead of quickly moving to a fairly formal style of learning with most activities taking place with the whole class sitting at tables working on paper, we took the best of the Early Years teaching approach and applied it to the Year 1 curriculum objectives with play-based learning and continuous provision. The children have LOVED learning in this practical, exciting, engaging and natural way and have been enthusiastic about learning, continually challenging themselves in their learning and making far greater progress both academically and personally. We celebrated this new approach with a 'Tuesday Takeover' of educational consultant Alistair Bryce-Clegg's Instagram https://abcdoes.com/ It was wonderful to be able to share our successes and inspire other teachers to have a go too!

We have since extended this approach into Year 2 and have been equally delighted with the results. Children are engaged and motivated to learn, with many seeking to extend and deepen their own learning independently or in collaboration with others. The independence and thinking skills they develop benefit their learning and build their confidence to challenge themselves and tackle new tasks with enthusiasm. They then take this love of learning onto their junior schools as confident, happy and capable learners.